Should fireworks be banned?

Many Americans say fireworks are a great American tradition and the best part of the Fourth of July. But critics say fireworks are problematic in many ways: they're a massive noise nuisance in cities, they pollute, they cause fires, they traumatize animals and war veterans, and thousands of Americans are injured or maimed by them every year. Fans argue that if they're in the hands of trained professionals, fireworks are awesome, and all fun pursuits involve some risk. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

Okay, so a few hundred people are injured by fireworks every year and fewer than 10 of them die. Compare that with 93 Americans who die daily from gun violence, or 3,287 who die every day in car accidents. In comparison, fireworks are really safe.

But honestly, what about the trauma veterans with PTSD experience on the Fourth of July because of fireworks? These are the people who are honored with our most patriotic holiday; wouldn't it be better to celebrate in a way that doesn't trigger the horrors of war for them?

Environmentalists say fireworks are terrible for the environment -- they pollute the air, contaminate water supplies and can cause fires. How about we celebrate America by not treating its mountains majesty and amber waves like a garbage can?

But on the other hand, aren't fireworks kind of the best? They're gorgeous and exciting and thrilling!

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